This was Gent Jazz 2026
Gent Jazz looks back on its 25th edition featuring international headliners and musical discoveries
With 96 artists (including 38 Belgian acts) and 65,000 visitors, the festival looks back on a landmark anniversary edition filled with musical discoveries and unforgettable performances.
Alabama Shakes delivered one of the stand-out moments of this year's festival with their one-off Benelux summer performance. Another special highlight came from Ludovico Einaudi, who brought his international tour to a close at Gent Jazz. Over the course of two sold-out evenings, the Italian composer and his ensemble held audiences spellbound. Tamino also wrapped up his tour in Ghent and managed to move the audience with an intense set.
The festival day on 11 July was also particularly noteworthy, as the main stage featured an all-female line-up. Audiences enthusiastically embraced performances by Sorvina, Olympia Vitalis, Mari Froesand Celeste. Celeste's performance was especially memorable, bringing the entire tent to a rapt silence through the beauty of her exceptional voice, and creating one of the festival's most moving and extraordinary moments.
Festival goers also enjoyed performances by international stars including Patti Smith, Van Morrison, John Hiatt, Suzanne Vega, Alabama Shakes, Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane, Ludovico Einaudi, Stanley Clarke, José González, John Legend, Angus & Julia Stone, Tindersticks, andmany more.
Belgian artists including Dressed Like Boys, Admiral Freebee, Axelle Red, Marble Sounds, Trixie Whitley, Warhaus, Sophia Ammann, De Beren Gieren, TP Le Green and Stavroz captivatedaudiences in large numbers.
A stage for the future
Alongside artists with long-established careers, Gent Jazz also provided a platform for the next generation of musicians. Emerging local acts such as Gala Dragot, OLA TUNJI, Amaea Rae, K.ZIAand TROY all made strong impressions with their compelling performances. Ão's journey is probably the best example: in 2023 they performed on the Garden Stage, a year later they opened the Main Stage, and this summer they returned to the Bijloke site as sub-headliner.
The festival's international rising stars also left a lasting impression. aron!, D.K. Harrell, Cassandra Coleman, MARO, Samara Joy, Mei Semones and Bel Cobain captivated audiences with stand-out performances that continued to resonate long after they had left the stage.
25th edition pays tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane
On the opening day, Terence Blanchard & Ravi Coltrane paid a special tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane, while on 10 July Marcus Miller and his band set the festival grounds alight with a funky homage to Miles Davis. The performance earned a standing ovation, as well as a four-star review in De Standaard.
With an anniversary edition that effortlessly balanced the legacy of jazz with musical innovation across genres, emerging talent and international headliners, and moments of quiet reflection with exuberant celebration, Gent Jazz once again reaffirmed its unique place in Belgium's festival landscape.
SAVE THE DATE | 1 - 17 JULY 2027